Congolese wood African mask, 'Kindly River Goddess'

The Kasai River Goddess looks kindly upon the Pende people, offering them safe passage as they cross the waters. Salihu Ibrahim invokes her presence in the form of a highly ornate mask, carved by hand from sese wood. He embellishes the mask with a fantasy of color created with African trade beads.

The Pende people live on the banks of the Kasai River in Zaire. Every time a river, stream or lake is purified, appreciation is shown to the gods and goddesses that inhabit the waters for their protection. Yearly and periodic rituals are therefore done to appease and thank them for their protection and longevity.

Please note this mask is crafted by hand without a previous sketch or mold. The beaded work may vary slightly in pattern and color in subsequent masks therefore rendering each one unique and exclusive. Made in West Africa.

12.6" H x 7.9" W x 3.5" D

Weight: 1.5 lb

Beadwork on sese wood

Offered in partnership with NOVICA, in association with National Geographic.

Ships directly from our partner office in West Africa. Please allow 14 to 30 days for delivery. This item is not available for express shipping and cannot be delivered to PO Boxes or APO/FPO.

This item ships from a third party and may be excluded from certain promotions. Please see the Current Promotions page for details.

Artisan: Salihu Ibrahim

'Upon the death of my father, I was sent to live with one of my father's closest friends, a renowned traditional carver to the then Akwamu chief and the people of Akwamu,' Salihu Ibrahim says. 'I worked with him for about 15 years, during which time I learned the styles and techniques of the Ashanti and Akwamu people. My work began to flourish and achieve recognition, and today, I myself have apprentice carvers working with me to learn the art of carving.'